Miniature railway property sold in NZ after a dedicated Whanganui retiree spent 11 years transforming his residential section into a miniature transport network. Specifically, Ian Jones sold his Cornfoot Street property in Castlecliff for NZ$240,000, exceeding its rateable value. Furthermore, the incoming family plans to keep the elaborate backyard railway fully operational.
370-metre miniature railway features tunnels, bridges, and stations
The unique project started when Jones bought a child-sized petrol locomotive online. Consequently, that small purchase evolved into the Nikau Junction Railway, featuring a 370-metre track winding through the property.
Additionally, the elaborate setup includes 10 tunnels, two bridges, an artificial hill, and two stations. Meanwhile, the complete circuit takes roughly 12 minutes to travel across two interconnected loops.
| Property & Railway Parameter | Operational & Financial Details |
| Property Location | Cornfoot Street, Castlecliff, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Final Sale Price | NZ$240,000 (NZ$20,000 above rateable value) |
| Railway Track Length | 370 metres across two interconnected loops |
| Key Railway Infrastructure | 10 tunnels, 2 bridges, artificial hill, and 2 stations |
| Circuit Travel Time | Approximately 12 minutes per full trip |
| Project Duration | 11 years of hands-on construction by Ian Jones |
New owners plan to retain the backyard train network
Although many prospective buyers viewed the railway as an obstacle, the right match eventually emerged. Specifically, a family living in a bus plans to move their vehicle onto the property.
Furthermore, the new owners intend to preserve the miniature railway so the network continues running. Meanwhile, at 70 years old, Jones plans to focus on home renovations and assist with a friend’s larger model railway project. Therefore, as this miniature railway property sold in NZ concludes its chapter, the whimsical backyard attraction remains alive under new ownership.

